Dan Longnecker considers council bid

Dan Longnecker, a 61-year-old semi-retired resident of Carroll with long ties to the community, this morning took out nomination papers for a possible campaign for the city's 3rd Ward council seat.

"I'm 50-50 right now," Longnecker said.

Councilman Mike Eifler, who has held the seat for the last 16 years, is not seeking re-election. Longnecker is the first possible candidate for the 3rd Ward seat to come forward publicly.

"I think I would have time for the job," Longnecker said.

A 1970 graduate of Kuemper Catholic High School, Longnecker said his education includes a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Northern Iowa.

He is a son of former Carroll County Sheriff Jack Longnecker.

Dan Longnecker and his wife, Sook-hee, live at 1326 Salinger Ave. Longnecker volunteers with New Hope Village and for Mallard View Residential Care Facility in addition to handling painting jobs.

"I want to get more acquainted with the council," he said.

The filing period for November city elections in Iowa closes on Sept. 19. Candidates can take out papers at city hall or online through the Iowa Secretary of State's Office - sos.iowa.gov.

Eifler and At-large Councilman Jeff Scharfenkamp have said they will not seek re-election. Mayor Adam Schweers and 1st Ward Councilman Michael Kots are seeking re-election. The other Carroll elected officials' seats are not up until 2015.

Three candidates so far - Kyle Fesenmeyer, Jerry Fleshner and Amber Raak - are expected to seek the at-large seat.

The mayor's salary is $4,800 annually. Council members are paid $2,400 each year.